For the full 2012 year, 3M posted record sales of $29.9 billion, up 1% year-on-year. Organic local currency sales grew 2.6% and acquisitions added 0.8% to sales. Four of the company’s six business segments posted full-year organic local currency growth, led by Health Care at 4.7% and Industrial and Transportation at 4.5%. Latin America/Canada was the fastest-growing geographic region in 2012 at 10.9%, followed by the U.S. at 4.2%. Full-year 2012 earnings were $6.32 per share, an increase of 6%. Operating margins were 21.7% and return on invested capital was 20%.

“Fourth quarter was a good finish to a successful year for 3M,” said Inge G. Thulin, chairman, president and CEO. “Our people executed well in the face of challenging macroeconomic conditions, and we have built good momentum to innovate and move forward in 2013.”

Products

The Handbook of Sealant Technology provides an in-depth examination of sealants, reviewing their historical developments and fundamentals, adhesion theories and properties, and today’s wide range of applications.